he Washington Balalaika Society was founded in 1988 by a group of musicians interested in studying and performing the music of Russia, Ukraine and eastern Europe on traditional Russian folk instruments -- the balalaika, domra, bayan and related folk wind and percussion. The Society's initial membership of eight has grown to more than fifty, and the WBS Orchestra now numbers over 40 musicians at all levels from beginner to professional.
The Society's performing elements include the WBS Orchestra and theFolk Ensembles, and there are activities for non-playing members as well.
Membership in the WBS is open to anyone, musician or not, who shares an interest in this distinctive music and rich culture. Membership in the Society's folk orchestra is open to musicians or aspiring musicians who are able to read music and have some background in playing an instrument, though not necessarily a Russian folk instrument. The WBS is a community-based, 501.c.3 cultural and educational organization.
The cost of membership in the Washington Balalaika Society is only $20 per year. Checks may be made payable to 'WBS' and sent to:
WBS Membership
11331 Vale Road
Oakton VA 22124
Additional information on the WBS and its programs may be obtained from the WBS Musical Director.
The WBS Orchestra
The WBS Orchestra is organized in instrumental sections similar to a symphony orchestra, under the direction of a conductor. The instruments of the orchestra include domras (organized as first and second prima domras, alto domras, tenor domras, bass domras), balalaikas (prima balalaikas, sekunda balalaikas, alto balalaikas, bass balalaika, contrabass balalaikas), guslis, accordions/bayans, wind instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and folk winds) and percussion.
The Orchestra presents several concerts each year including its annual Spring Concert, and appears at festivals and other public and private events during the year. The WBS Orchestra has performed at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall with the Paul Hill Chorale; Carnegie Hall in New York; the Round Lake Auditorium in New York's Adirondacks; Lisner Auditorium and Smithsonian Institution in Washington; NOVA - Annandale; James Madison University; The Theater at Washington, VA; Walters Gallery in Baltimore and the Ceres Mansion in Frederick, MD as well as many other venues in the greater Washington area.
Orchestra rehearsals are held each Wednesday evening at the Rock Spring Congregational Church, Little Falls Road near Rock Spring Drive in Arlington, Virginia at 7:45 pm. With prior notice, rehearsals are open to visitors.
Active teaching programs include instruction from basic to advanced levels in balalaika and domra as well as in guitar, although guitars are not included in the orchestra. 'Loaner' instruments are often available for use until the student can obtain his or her own personal instrument.
Maxwell McCullough is the orchestra's musical director.
The WBS Folk Ensembles
These groups of from five to eight musicians perform at receptions, dinners, weddings, festivals and other venues in the greater Washington area.
Appearing in either traditional Russian folk costumes or formal attire at the client's option, with an extensive repertoire ranging from poignant romances to rousing folk dance music, these groups provide 'the Russian flavor' for events large or small whether as background music or the centerpiece of a gala performance presentation. Singers and dancers can also be included in planning a festive program. Additional information and pricing are available from the WBS Musical Director.
Non-Playing Members of the WBS
Some of our members join simply because they are interested in the music we play, or because they want to help in areas where we need support. All are welcome. We're always in need of willing workers in the areas of publicity and promotion, concert logistics, outreach, liaison with other arts organizations, fund raising and grant requests, maintenance of our music library and costumes and other such tasks.
Teaching Programs
For those unfamiliar with Russian folk instruments, or others who want to improve their technique and learn more about proper playing, instruction is offered at levels from beginner through advanced. A limited number of "loaner" instruments allow the interested player to begin lessons before acquiring an instrument.
Send a Message to the WBS Musical Director
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